Michigan Brewing Company

Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

1093 Highview Drive
Webberville, Michigan, 48892
United States

// CLOSED //

This location is currently closed, but the beers continued to brewed at the Lansing brewpub. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/24888
BEER STATS
Average:
3.51
Beers:
24
Ratings:
1,634
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.92
Reviews:
32
Ratings:
32
pDev:
18.11%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
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Photo of jale
Reviewed by jale from Michigan

3.28/5  rDev -16.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 2.5
This brewery is in an industrial park. Not very appealing inside or out. They have just average food and average beers. In the same building is a brewers suppy store along with wine making supplies. The selection if brewing supplies is quite extensive. IMO not a destination, rather a place to try if your within a short drive. Most of the beers i have tried here tend to be lacking in flavor for most styles they brew. They are a contract brewer and brew Kid Rock's BadAss Lager. Growler prices tend to be higher than average for most breweries.
May 12, 2011
Photo of schmidtn
Reviewed by schmidtn from Michigan

4.41/5  rDev +12.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
I stopped in today while waiting for a ride at the nearby park and ride. The service was very good. They offer distilled products now (new since I had last been there)

But I skipped the vodka and I tried the Imperial IPA instead. Hops are great. The more, the better for me. This IIPA was very good. Nice balance of malt and hops. Very Very Good.

They should offer this product in stores. Too bad my ride was waiting at the nearby park and ride or I would have tried the Imperial Porter, also on tap.
Feb 23, 2011
Photo of buschbeer
Reviewed by buschbeer from Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I stopped in with my brother because he loved the Screamin Pumpkin. It is located in an industrial park. It is a metal building that looks like it may house brewing operations in the back. The pub was clean and well lit. There was a patio, too. I bellied up to the bar and ordered a sampler, which started as six but quickly turned into 10. They had a wide variety of beer. They had sixteen beers on tap ranging from RIS to IIPA to barleywine to Belgian wit. If you can't find something you like here, you either don't like beer or you need to go to the gas station and get a stringer of coors light.

My bartender was quite an attractive woman. This will weigh in on my review. Regardless, she was attentive and helpful. The food was standard pub fare, burgers, pizza, etc. My biggest knock on the place is that I wanted a growler but everything that I liked was not available for growler fill due to limited supply. But they did have a good selection of bottles for purchase in packs or mix sixers, so I settled for that.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience and will definitly go back if I'm in the area. They left me wanting more since I couldn't get a growler of their big beers. Oh, and did I mention the bartender!
Sep 11, 2010
Photo of TCgoalie
Reviewed by TCgoalie from Michigan

3.31/5  rDev -15.6%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3
It was sad to see MBC move from the previous location, but there is some sense to make of the move. First off, the new place is bigger. The coolers are a nice touch, so it is easy to grab a 6 pack on your way out. But, it just doesn't feel like a bar. I suppose if you got your kicks from pretending to be at an office building, this is the place for you!

The beer is good, especially when it is fresh...but the atmosphere is lacking. Bring back the peanuts on the floor and the beer garden! I need 6 more words to make this 500 characters:)
Feb 06, 2010
Photo of sophisticated
Reviewed by sophisticated from Michigan

2.08/5  rDev -46.9%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 1.5 | selection: 3 | food: 1.5
Beer = Good
Food = Pretty bad
Service/Atmosphere = Real bad

As a native Michigander I was excited to try this place on a recent visit. It's in the middle of no where. You walk in and there are some cool things - the coolest is a room set up museum style with old fashioned bottle openers.

There is a bar area that is nice, but unfortunately that was full so we were out under florescent lights in this hallway type of area with uncomfortable seats.

Our server always seemed in a rush, and was unfriendly. She did not express interest in the beer. We tried the Raspberry Celis and IPA. The IPA was decent, the raspberry was interesting.

We ordered pizza (greasy and soggy), sweet potato fries (pieces of almost-raw potato briefly dropped in oil), burgers that were previously frozen, etc.

Prices were reasonable. 3 beers and dinner for 4 was about $45. (beer about $4 a pint, $12 for a pizza, etc)

If I were to go again, I'd probably just pick up a growler to go. It was a disappointment.
Jan 04, 2010
Photo of BehindtheFinBrew
Reviewed by BehindtheFinBrew from Iowa

3.23/5  rDev -17.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Upon arriving at MBC, one feels immersed in a business park, feeling far from where a homebrew shop and brewery should be. This new location is definitely a step up from the former building behind the gas station. When entering you almost don't realize that this is a taproom or homebrew shop of any kind. Things Beer carries homebrew ingredients and equipment located in segregated rooms but the selection would hardly compete with online retailers. The taproom down the hall to the right is beautifully lined with wood and centered by the old wood bar, a carryover from the old location.

16 beers were on-tap at the time and 8 were sampled. Overall, the Russian Imperial was the standout of the ones tried. The nut-brown is an old stand by but I resisted in effort to try some new brews. The beer there is decent but nothing exceptional. Flavors were muted with very few bold big-flavored beers.

The service was strangely short and marginally friendly with us. At times it seemed as though we were an annoyance for being there. Beer lists were briefly pointed at and servers seemed ill taught in the qualities of their beer.

Food was decent and mostly worth the price. ($6.99 for a wrap and fries).

Overall, the experience was lackluster. MBC seems to have overlooked the fact that Webberville is a moderate drive for just about everyone and we made the effort to visit them so a more friendly and knowledgeable staff would be appreciated. In comparison to taprooms and breweries in other parts of the state, MBC would most likely be considered second rate.
Dec 29, 2009
Photo of hophead76
Reviewed by hophead76 from Michigan

2.25/5  rDev -42.6%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 2.5 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
I regularly go to Things Beer, which is a brewing supply store located at the location of MBC. Usually when I grab brewing supplies I'll stop in at the pub. Over the last 4 years I have consistently had the WORST service that I can remember at any brewery I've ever been too. On some occasions particular bar tenders/waitresses seem to only serve the regulars at the bar while ignoring others at tables, on other occasions like today (50+ patrons due to a homebrewing class and discounts) I'm not sure who was getting waited on, seemingly no one.

It took over 20 minutes to get our first beer order and it took more than 45 minutes to get 2 bowls of soup, a salad, and a sandwich. This is unacceptable. The food came out, not as ordered (was asked if I wanted onions on my chilli and I said yes, and there were none), and the potato wedges were undercooked as they have been several times in the past. I had a few pints of the Mackinaw Pale Ale. Their beer is average, and I had no complaints. Not exceptional, but I didn't expect it to be. There was no designated bar tender, only 2 servers serving 50+ people, and I guess there was only 1 person in the kitchen.

Overall, I've been here many times and I am consistently disappointed with the service and quality of the food. Go for the beer supplies which are reasonably priced and with good selection, but don't stay for the average beer, substandard food, or inferior service.
Mar 07, 2009
Photo of burritosandbeers
Reviewed by burritosandbeers from Michigan

1.73/5  rDev -55.9%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 1.5 | service: 1 | selection: 2.5 | food: 1.5
Overall grades go like this

Beer B+
Food C-
Service... well whats lower than an overall total failure?

I dont usually ask too much. I like to have a feel like I got an enjoyable meal, a good beer and acceptable service. I felt like I only got one of those on this visit.

Service was miserable. We arrived hungry, wanting a good beer and in a pleasant mood. The dining room wasnt busy, and we seated oruselves after asking what was protocol.

Once we saw our waitress, we were basically accused of being idiots not knowing what we wanted when she first came by, as she pointed at the beer list about 20 ft away printed on an 8.5x11 sheet and walked away. When she returned after leaving us with menus I selected my beer and said I was ready to order my food, and she left as soon as the last person said their beer order.

10 minutes later she dropped our beers off and as we started to order our food she walked away again.

20 minutes later when she returned to get our food orders I ordered a corned beef Reuben for $8. I received a small rueben that wasnt even as good as I would have expected from Arbys. My fellow patrons ordered burgers (after waiting 15 minutes to hear they were out of the original items) and received what was described to me as "A $3 Sams club frozen burger". Once our meal was finished I approached the bar to order a growler as the beer I got (Porter) was quite good. Our waitress (who we hadnt seen even though we finished our meal a good 20 minutes before the point) was behind the bar and filled my growler quickly and said she would add it to my bill. I stated we would like our bill as we would like to get going (having been here for over 1.5 hours at this point) and it was STILL another 15 minutes before we received our bill.

I will NOT be returning, to Michigan Brewing Company in the forseeable future as I can find excellent beer elsewhere in this state, and they offered nothing else worth entering for.
Mar 03, 2009
Photo of Mgrad92
Reviewed by Mgrad92 from Michigan

4.31/5  rDev +9.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
I've gone past the place a million times, but finally had the chance to stop in over the Christmas holiday. I was pleasantly surprised. They have a great store attached to the brewpub! Lots of brewing supplies and beer related items.
The bar area is nice, but lacks a real personality. However, the service was good, the beer selection is very nice. But on top of that, they have their own sodas and even vodka.
The beers that I sampled were solid representations of their styles.
And although I didn't sample the menu, it looked pretty decent and the smells coming from the kitchen were wonderful.
Jan 22, 2009
Photo of BMoney575
Reviewed by BMoney575 from Texas

4.41/5  rDev +12.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Visited on 1-10-09

We tried out MBC for david131's b-day, and were thoroughly impressed. Well out-of-the-way in an industrial park, the building kind of looks like and office. Inside, it's like a hotel lobby, in a great, low-key and simple way. The taplist was extensive, the important ones being Celis Grand Cru (one of my falvorites), triple, and Russian imperial. The RIS was the only one I had, and it was outstanding. The best part, though, was the VIP treatment we received. With a quick ask, we were able to try the bourbon barrel aged RIS (a saran wrap covered bottle behind the bar...great) and an RIS-IPA mix. Both were very good and a great treat. I will definitely be going back.
Jan 14, 2009
Photo of MICAMD
Reviewed by MICAMD from Maryland

4.21/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
My friends took me here for my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised. The place was essentially dead, which was kind of surprising for a Saturday night. The tap selection was great and they would put most of it in growlers. I had a couple glasses of their imperial stout and at 14.9%, it knocked me on my ass but it was very enjoyable for that high of an ABV. The service was very laid back, which meant that sometimes we had to go to the bar to get more beers, but for the environment, it was not unexpected. I got a couple of growlers and am enjoying a Russian Imperial/ High Seas IPA blend as a type this review. I can't believe I have been by this place dozens of times and never stopped in. I am most definitely going back.
Jan 12, 2009
Photo of kovolev
Reviewed by kovolev from New York

4.25/5  rDev +8.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 3
I stopped by Michigan Brewing Company this past Saturday for lunch and brews. MBC is less than a mile from I96 (or Grand River Avenue if you're not into the whole expressway thing) in an Industrial Park/Warehouse area just outside the village of Webberville. From the outside MBC looks drab and boring, kind of like a big pole-barn...but the inside taproom isn't bad. The bar is wood and looks handcrafted...obviously new yet looks "old school." The walls are also wood and sprinkled with posters. The sound-system was weak but played lots of Dylan, which made me happy.
As for the beers...the beers were good. I had a sampler of all 16 beers currently on tap ($16). I was most impressed with the Nut Brown Ale, Rye Bock, Stout, and the Celis beers. These brews were all very flavorful, balanced, and unpretentious. I appreciated that most of the beers on tap were in the 5% abv range. It seems that the trend, particularly in Michigan, is toward massive beers with sky high alcohol content. While I like big beers it's nonetheless nice that MBC beers are a bit more subte.
Overall, I thought the atmosphere at MBC was okay but not great (a tad sterile really), but beers were absolutely fantastic...I'll certainly be visiting Michigan Brewing Company again.
Jan 19, 2008
Photo of alexgash
Reviewed by alexgash from Connecticut

4.22/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
Stopped by on a recent Sunday afternoon for some beer and some food. Located near the freeway in a spread out industrial area. Homebrew and memorabilia store to the left and the beer coolers and pub/taproom to the right. Spacious, but with low ceilings and a very conference room/church classroom feel. The main bar area was better, with lots of wood and nice bar chairs, though. We sat in the conference room area. Service was very good and friendly. 16 beers on tap was awesome to see, including 4 seasonals. Prices were reasonable and they offered 3 oz. samplers for a buck a piece. I got nine samplers and all the beer tasted fresh. Some decent brews and some great (Imperial IPA, Rye Bock, and the wheat beer). Food menu was simple pub grub that was good enough, but nothing special. No smoking was good to see and music wasn't blasting out our conversation so that was nice. The beer coolers (for off-sale purchase) were impressive and well-stocked. They have growlers too. The homebrew store had a very good selection and I will definitely be heading there again for that and for some more beers!
Nov 19, 2007
Photo of rogue
Reviewed by rogue from Ohio

3.6/5  rDev -8.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 5
I just visited MBC for the first time this past weekend. Whereas I had never been to the old location (located behind the gas pumps right off the highway), I could just tell from the new location that is is an enormous improvement in just so much that sheer space in concerned. However, the physical bar in the new establishment is still very small -- it has only about 6 seats, and there is still a lot of unused open space in the taproom. If not for the lodgy wood decor, I would have felt like I was having a pint in a warehouse.

Perhaps it is because we stopped by on New Year's Eve, and to their credit the two bartenders appeared to be sick, but the staff tending bar was absolutely miserable. The woman snapped at two people and was downright rude to the point that I wanted to leave -- not to me personally but to several people around me. Yes, we got our beers in a timely manner and yes our requests for other merchandise were fulfilled, but the quality of the service was barely satisfactory. I really felt as though they were unhappy that they were even open and spent the time they were there complaining. This was a real disappointment after enjoying the friendly demeanor of the staff at nearby Founders and Dark Horse.

Things Beer is located within the same building on the other side. There is a variety of homebrewing supplies, novelty items, glassware, and apparel.

The two notable brews were by far the Russian Imperial Stout (at 12.9% ABV) and the Winter Warmer. Very impressed by the Winter Warmer, and picked up a growler of it to enjoy later. The Russian Imperial Stout was also very tasty, but I agree it was served too cold and if you are ordering a couple pints, I'd order the stout and let it sit while you enjoy the IPA first.

On Tap as of 12/31/06:
Mackinac Pale Ale (5.5%)
Black Ale (6.8%)
Winter Warmer (8.1%)
Bavarian Dark (4%)
Pumpkin Ale (5&) - OUT
Celis Grand Cru (7.6%)
Celis Pale Bock (3.9%)
Celis Raspberry (3.9%)
Celis White (3.9%)
Porter (5%)
Stout (5%)
Russian Imperial Stout (12.9%)
Hamtramk (4%)
Nut Brown Ale (5%)
Wheatland Wheat (5%)
IPA (7.25%)
Jan 03, 2007
Photo of jimbotrost
Reviewed by jimbotrost from Michigan

4.64/5  rDev +18.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I am going to hate to see this place go away. The great wooden bar and tables, the peanuts and shells on the floor, the wide selection of drafts. Stopped in on November 12th for a quick beer, stayed for 3. The IPA is a must have, the Celis Grand Cru and just about everything else is fresh and tasty. Good prices and specials and a decent to go selection. The new place is taking shape (big antique oak bar) and will have plenty of character, I am sure but I think that this place will always be cooler.
Nov 27, 2006
Photo of tboom29
Reviewed by tboom29 from Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +2.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
This is a great low key brewpub. The atmosphere is always good. There are usually some characters around (ie. social dave, as mentioned in another post) but they are harmless. It is smoke free in the main pub, but they have a smoking room, which is nice so you don't come out reaking of smoke. Beer selection is always pretty good, as there is usually a wide variety of styles. Food is decen pub fare, not knockout but good. Soup is above average, but watch out for the chili, not for the faint of heart as it is very hot! Sevice is usually very good, the staff very knowledgeable. They usually keep the glasses filled, even when it is packed, which it can be on Friday nights. I read in an earlier post that Stacy was working. If it is the Stacy who formerly worked there, which I believe it is, than that is outstanding for the pub that she is back as she knows everything about beer in genral and especially MI beer. Food is The location is a bit odd, but I believe the owners own the whole parcel of land, gas station and all. It's nice having Things Beer next door, great homebrew shop, the staff their is very knowledgeable too and eager to help. One of my favorite places all time. There has been a plan to move the brewery, lets hope it doesn't lose the character and feel that it has now if/when it does.

Cheers to MBC!
May 04, 2006
Photo of amatuerbeerguy
Reviewed by amatuerbeerguy from Oklahoma

4.28/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4
I really like this place. Walk in there are peanut shells on the floor. Barrels of peanuts that you grab basket full to eat, just drop shells on the floor. Makes for a fresh, cozy, and unintruding atmosphere. The quality of beer was good, had the Celis line, well the ones they had. Grand Cru in bottle, Raspberry, White on tap. Also had some of there IPA, it was of good quality also. Unfortunitly I could not stay for more. The service was excellent, Stacy the bartender was prompt with getting order, then serving it in the correct glass. She also talk with me for a while, with asking about the different beer styles I drink. Offered samples and her likes and dislikes about the beers. Selection was good. There were 13 beers on tap with all those in bottle as well. Also like mentioned before, they had Celis Grand Cru only in bottles. I was informed that there was a recent brewer change, this was the reasoning for the bottle only. Food did not have any except peanuts. The beers were $3 and $4, with bottles being $2ea. Overall a nice place to visit. Although I understand that they will be moving to the location behind there current one. As of April 2005.
Apr 03, 2006
Photo of Derek
Reviewed by Derek from Canada (BC)

4.2/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Strangely located behind a very large gas station.

We stopped here on the way back from the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival. We arrived before noon on Sunday, and waited 'til we could be served (state law).

They had 12 of their brews on tap, and most of them available by the bottle for take-out, which was great, because I was driving!

You could get a small sample size (think it was 4 oz) for $1. Heck of a deal for a variety of tasty brews!

They have "Things Beer" right next door, with tons of homebrew supplies & beer paraphernalia.
Mar 03, 2006
Photo of olacub
Reviewed by olacub from Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
I've been here many times before, but after this afternoon's visit, I'm finally getting around to writing a review. Yes, the location is famously no-frills (behind a huge trucker gas station with a giant dirt parking lot), and the inside is essenially a very small tasting room (kinda like someone's basement) with no televisions, no jukebox, nothin' but you, the beer, and the ensemble of unusual folks who frequent the place.

First, the food is what it is - a small lineup of sandwiches, a couple options for warmed-up pizza, and a couple of passable soups. Far from good, but not awful either, I've actually felt fortunate that they HAD food at MBC, considering the surroundings.

The service was excellent - it was pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon (from about 3:30pm to 7:30pm), and the one bartender did a great job keeping things moving along.

The beer lineup is quite good as well. 12 taps today - 8 MBC beers, and 4 of their Celis brews. I sampled the Celis White, Celis Grand Cru, MBC Dubbel, MBC Nut Brown, and finished up with two pints of my own creation; 1/2 Celis Raspberry and 1/2 MBC Imperial Stout - yum. Their IPA is also very good, although I didn't partake today, as I wasn't really in a hopped up mood.

For about an hour, I also wound up talking to a local regular, called "social dave" - a nice enough older guy who showered me with tales of his Michigan craft beer tales - all of which added to the MBC experience.

Side note: the bartender told me that they're planning on moving into new digs by the end of March - a new building that'll be located right behind the existing one.
Feb 12, 2006
Photo of sopor
Reviewed by sopor from Oregon

4/5  rDev +2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
A wonderful hometown midwest kinda place! The atmosphere here is just great! In typical midwest fashion, everybody is real friendly, and down to earth. Bridgette greats you all as "hun" as she merrily fills your pints and grabs your food. There are free peanuts, and shells on the ground. They do have a menu of sandwiches and snacks. My Philly Cheese Steak was pretty good, and Smittyguiness' chili was (apparently) very good as well. The food is not great, but they do not have a full kitchen, so they are doing very well with what they have!

The bar area is not large, I would call it cozy! There's about 6-8 chairs at the bar, three large tables and two small tables. Lots of bare wood (which I like) and decorated with beer paraphenalia, both old an new. There is additional seating actaully in the brewery area, which has been emptied of tanks due to the impending move. Also int this area is the cooler with sixers and singles.

12 taps, three celis, 8 of MBC's normally good and consistent brew, and Poor Richard's Scotch ale, which is very good! Growlers available of course!

If you haven't made it to MBC yet, it'd be worth your time to get over there before they move!
Jan 23, 2006
Photo of plaztikjezuz
Reviewed by plaztikjezuz from Michigan

3.9/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
The atmosphere is pretty chill, some times the local get annoying, webberville is out in the middle of a cornfield and it shows. I like the beer garden in the summer and the smoke free in door pub is nice, smoker must go out in the brewery.

The quality of service, beer and food is very good.

the selection is usually a good offering. the pub has 12 taps and bottles are also available. the food is limited sandwiches, personal pizzas, soup, chilli, and what they call a beer lunch; which is cheese, sausage, and crackers. the celis beers are always on tap and there normal production beers are also, this leaves about 3 rotating seasonal taps.

there is a nice beer garden in the summer, a smoke free pub, the smokers area has 2 dart boards and some board games.

pints are $3.50
sandwiches $6
beer to-go $8 6pk
growlers $8 refills
Jan 12, 2006
Photo of BigDaddyWil
Reviewed by BigDaddyWil from Michigan

3.86/5  rDev -1.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Stopped in to MBC today for the first time ever. I grew up in Howell and never visited here. But now being a member of BA and obsessed with craft beers, I finally paid them a visit. Atmosphere is quite casual and relaxed. The serving room can hold about 30 people. There is a room to smoke, if needed. About twelve brews on tap. My main reason for stopping was the release of their Russian Imperial Stout, tapped the night before. Very tasty, but served too cold. Didn't see a menu, but they were serving soup, chili, and sandwiches. You can help yourself to a basket of peanuts, and leave the shells on the floor. All in all a neat place to visit, kinda rustic, and hidden behind a gas station, but easy to find. I'll will most surely make many return visits. Prices are reasonable and was able to sample a few beers for free. A good place to stop if traveling between Detroit and Lansing.
Dec 19, 2005
Photo of Frozensoul327
Reviewed by Frozensoul327 from Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Review from the Fall Meeting of the Michigan BA's on 10/29/2005. Located of 96 in Webberville, this place was literally hidden behind a gas station, but I did find it with relative ease. The brewpub is cozy and small, could probably only seat 30 people or so. Some coasters from different microbreweries and breweries were nailed to the ceiling around the taps and on part of the walls.The overall atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. The quality of the dozen or so different brews were good; they were all fresh and well poured. Nice. The service was a bit slow, as there was only one bar tender, and It looked like she did the best she could, but you could tell she was pissed about being the only one there and not having any help. The selection was good. Lots of different styles of beer. There was really something for everyone. The food was limited but good; mostly sandwiches and chips and that sort of thing. I liked the fact that a huge barrel of peanuts was in the corner and free to those drinking, plus you get to dump the shells on the floor. Bonus. Overall this is a nice brew pub that I wish was closer. I will definitly be going back. A recommended stop.
Oct 31, 2005
Photo of frazbri
Reviewed by frazbri from Ohio

3.59/5  rDev -8.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4
Michigan Brewing Company is an unusual place. Obviously, the location is a little odd. Is it a truck stop or a brewery? It is a no frills brewery tap room, and that is a good thing, imho. There is a very limited menu, but most of the crowd was snacking from the peanut barrel left of the bar. The tap selection was pretty good, about a dozen taps. The room was full, and one lone bartender served us all. She did ok, but you needed a little patience.

The charm of Michigan Brewing is its simplicity. No electronic diversions here, just beer and conversation.
Jul 12, 2005
Photo of mentor
Reviewed by mentor from Colorado

3.53/5  rDev -9.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
I drove about an hour to visit around New Year's (2004 into 2005). After taking the M-52 exit from I-96, I immediate turned into the Mobil gas station to get directions. Thank goodness I did, because the brewery is located behind the gas station. I literally had to weave between cars and gas pumps to get to the establishment. Outside seating appears to be available, but wasn't in use on this winter day. Dark wood and dim lighting make for a sub-dued atmosphere. Several long tables are to the left, the bar a few steps in, and a room is to the right with coolers of bottles for carry-out. Peanuts are free to patrons, who crack them open and drop the shucks on the floor. This is not family dining...it's a brewery with a rough tasting room and a few simple food offerings. MBC was much busier than normal (so said the fellow BA that I met there), which may be why the service was atrocious. I waited a long time to place my order. Most of my beer sample platter arrived (seven of the dozen offerings for $7) shortly therafter, but my turkey sandwich took nearly half an hour. The beer tasted great and the turkey sandwich was, well, it was okay (did you expect something more from a turkey sandwich?). This was worth the 40 minute drive (one way) and will be worth another visit when I return to see family again in Michigan.
Jan 01, 2005
Photo of cupbeerman
Reviewed by cupbeerman from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +9.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
You got to drive between the gas pumps“ is what trbeer said, on the way to Michigan Brewing Company. After going between the pumps, the brewpub looks like a fake log cabin from the outside. Inside is a very small bar/dining room that seems would only seat about twenty five people altogether. Inside the place still uses the fake log cabin persona, with various pieces of brewmainia scattered around. Some of the brewery can be seen from the dining room and the room next to it where six packs can be bought.

The tap selection includes the four Pierre Celis beers, a beer called Big League Brew and seven house beers. Having never had any of them I of course ordered a sampler while trbeer ordered a Celis White (they severed it in a pint glass, since there were no wit glasses to be seen). The beers did range from excellent to average, and all the lines seemed clean and the beers were fresh.

As with most places I have seen in Michigan their food menu was lacking choices (we were in a hurry, so I did not have any food this time). The service was fine; however they did pour one wrong beer in the sampler, but being a level headed guy, plus the fact that we were in a hurry I did not bring it up to the bartender.

Overall worth a stop if in the Webberville area, the beers were good and there is a homebrew/brewmania store next to the place (but that is another review).
Aug 20, 2004
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Reviewed by beergeek279 from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +9.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Atmosphere: Behind the famous gas pumps off a rural exit on I-96 in Webberville, Michigan Brewing is in a log-cabin fronted building. Inside, the walls are the logs from outside (not wallpapered). The walls have the life story of Pierre Celis, from being a wee baby, to creating Hoegaarden and selling it to Interbrew, and finally bringing his own wheat beer (Celis White) to life. The bar itself is right inside the bar, and not far to walking in. Michigan Brewing has quite a bit of equipment available for brewing, since I'm told they're big contract brewers. Right through a door stood a cooler of 6-packs and singles for sale to take out. We went on a Sunday morning, and the place was relatively busy, but it doesn't seem the type of place that would be jumping on a weekend night.

Quality/Selection: Michigan Brewing offered 12 beers on tap. In addition to the 4 Celis beers that they're so famous for (White, Raspberry, Grand Cru, and Pale Bock), they offered their Big League Brew ESB, a good IPA, and a couple non-bottled beers such as a pale ale and hefeweizen. The beers were certainly quite solid examples of their style, and even featured a few great brews (the Celis White and Grand Cru).

Service: Michigan Brewing seemed to have fairly good service: the bartender was friendly and knew the beer fairly well. The POS was out when we were there, but they seemed to work around that.

Michigan Brewing is definitely worth a trip for those in the Lansing area. With their famous Celis brand, and some other great beers as well, this is a place I'd definitely return to again
Aug 04, 2004
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Reviewed by nortmand from Illinois

4.68/5  rDev +19.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This "hole in the wall" is exactly what I expect from a brewery- a front to the actual brewery where you can get all their bottled beers on tap plus a special or two. The food is a little disappointing, being cold cut sandwiches and chili, but the chili is constantly changing and is perfect for a cold winter day, accompanied by a fresh microbrew. The barkeeps are nice, and there are plenty of peanuts for all. Plus, you can pick up a couple of mixed six packs on your way out. I've never had an on-tap beer that didn't taste perfect there. Also, check out the attached Things Beer for all of your homebrewing needs.
Jun 01, 2004
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Reviewed by CRJMellor from Arkansas

4.3/5  rDev +9.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Visited on a Saturday and managed to meet up with trbeer. Very small place with about 6 bar stools and 5 tables in the non-smoking section and about an equal smoking section. 12 beers on tap including four Celis and eight of the MBC brews. Free peanuts in the corner and sheels all over the floor. You do literally have to drive through the gas station, right by the pumps, to get ot the place but worth it. Beers were all pretty good, bartender was knowledgable, friendly with the samples and info and took good care of us. Menu was veery limited by the sandwich I had was fantastic and chile was good but not hot enough for a cold Michigan winter. Have a whole cooler of the MBC and Celis beers to go as well as growler refills. Nice touch is that they let you create mixed 6 or 12 packs, including the Celis products to go. Really a worthwhile place to hit if traveling across I-96.
Jan 04, 2004
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Reviewed by yen157 from New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Talking about shitty to get to. You have to cut through a gas station to get there! Anyway, this place was nothing much to look at from the inside with peanut shells on the painted cement floor and the half-assed coaster collage on the ceiling above the bar. The seating consists of handful of tables and a bar facing windows that show the pretty large brewing facility and a smoking section that is two picnic benches in an isolated corner of the "brewing" room by the six-pack coolers. In any case, the bartender, a huge cowboy, was great about samples, beer descriptions (sort of), and letting us have a bottle of the Tripel. The beers we had were all decent at the very least (except for the funky Sebewaing) to very good (Imp. Stout) with the lackluster IPA in the middle. Despite others reviews I found the Pumpkin Ale tasty, expecially the day after Thanksgiving. BTW, the Celis beer were the best move that brewery could have made. I really hope that Grand Cru someday reaches NJ (or where ever I am).

Good beer. Odd parking. Not great atmosphere. Word is that there are about to move to another location. I hope they don't dress the new place up too much, though.

BTW, be sure to stop at the shop next door. They have some nice glassware (and plenty of shaker glasses) and misc. breweriana.
Dec 12, 2003
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Reviewed by DrunkMcDermott from Illinois

4.85/5  rDev +23.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
This is ground zero for any and all beer geeks in Michigan. Just a little taphouse in front their brewery, itself a smallish industrial building behind a gas station just off the interstate. The big outdoor fermenters might be mistaken for grain silos. But everyone inside loves their beers and enjoys sharing the love with anyone interested. A generous 12 beers on tap makes for one of the biggest sampler trays I've ever had. Then the manager gave us a tour of the works, and brought out bottles of any beers they didn't have on tap. The Celis is flowing very well there, along with a few contract brands (including a limited edition revival of Sebewaing for Sebewaing Township's 150th anniversary). Great atmosphere with some fine chili being cooked right in the brewhouse, and a barrel of peanuts, which means you just throw your shells on the floor. Plenty of take-home, an outdoor beer garden, and the next building is a homebrew and breweriana shop. If you're traveling anywhere near Lansing, this should be your first choice of beer stops.
Oct 20, 2003
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Reviewed by Mitchster from Michigan

3.7/5  rDev -5.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 2
Stopped in here after seeing a small sign while driving west on I-96. Not having heard of the place or any of their beers, I was impressed to see 12 brews on tap. It's a small place with room for about 8 at the bar and perhaps 30 at the tables. I sat down next to this eccentric character who had an insatiable appetite for peanuts...shells are allowed on the floor:) After expousing my enthusiasm for beeradvocate.com to the bartender, a guy walks in, sits down and orders an imperial stout. Hehe, I recognized this character as Mike (sackaroo) from his column in the online MSU paper, so he pulled up a seat and we enjoyed our brews and talked about good beer. I was impressed by the 5 samples I had, and plan on returning tomorrow to try the rest. They have a good assortment of brews, including the recaptured Celis lineup which they now exclusively brew and distribute to Texas. There is a cooler filled with 6'ers and you can make your own sampler pack for $8. The ceiling is adorned with hundreds of coasters of brewpubs from all over the states, most of which I recognized. The place was quiet when I was there in the middle of the afternoon, tucked away behind a gas station, and situated next to the relocated new home of Things-Beer, a friendly and well-stocked homebrew shop.
Apr 29, 2003
Michigan Brewing Company in Webberville, MI
Brewery rating: 3.51 out of 5 with 1634 ratings